England made a remarkable comeback in the ongoing Ashes 2023. After suffering close defeats in the first two tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s, Ben Stokes and his men registered a thumping at Headingley by three wickets. This win has kept their hopes alive, but Australia is still 2-1 up in the series.
Former South African star AB de Villiers has lauded the English captain for his leadership skills, which he has shown in pressure situations against Australia. He has praised Stokes for his decision making and performance, which led England to win after coming from behind.
In the first two games, Stokes took three wickets with the ball and didn’t bowl in the third game. In a video uploaded on his YouTube channel, De Villiers said, “He’s [Ben Stokes] an incredible cricket player. He’s got a really sharp cricket brain. We watched him in the last Test match, and how calm he was, actually all the Test matches.“
He added that it is always difficult to come from behind after losing two games. But Stokes led his troops pretty well and led his country to victory in the third game. De Villiers also praised the English captain for his cool and calm leadership style. He said, “If you lose the first two Test matches in five Test match series is very nerve-wracking, and he was always just calm, especially after losing in that second one.”
Australia won the last Ashes series 4-0 at home and are looking like favorites to win this series as well. They just need one win or a draw to retain the Ashes, while England has some hard work to do in the remaining matches. They must win the remaining games to win the series.
It will be the real test for Stokes and Brendon McCullum, who have done a brilliant job so far. The fourth game will start on July 19 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.
